2005 Ford Ka vs. 1984 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2005 Ford Ka is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 1,952 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Nissan Laurel (102 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2005 Ford Ka. (94 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Nissan Laurel should accelerate faster than 2005 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Ford Ka weights approximately 66 kg more than 1984 Nissan Laurel.
Because 1984 Nissan Laurel is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1984 Nissan Laurel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Ford Ka, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1984 Nissan Laurel (162 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Ford Ka. (135 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1984 Nissan Laurel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ford Ka | 1984 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Ka | Laurel |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1952 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1136 kg | 1070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2410 mm |
